Cleveland Indians Hire Terry Francona as New Manager

The Cleveland Indians announced on Saturday that former Boston Red Sox manager Terry Francona has been appointed as the new skipper of the club.

On Monday, the Indians will make their formal introduction for Francona, who has served as a broadcaster for ESPN since leaving his post with the Red Sox following the 2011 season.

Francona, 53, managed the Phillies between 1997 and 2000, then took the Red Sox job in 2004. He won two World Series titles with Boston. The Red Sox had previously not won a title since 1918.

Francona replaces interim manager Sandy Alomar Jr, after Manny Acta was sacked with six games remaining in the season.

The new skipper, who played with the Indians in 1988, may have a difficult task ahead of him. The Indians have not won a World Series title since 1948, and have not reached the playoffs since 2007.

Cleveland finished 20 games behind Detroit in the American League Central in 2012, with a 68-94 record. The Indians ended the season ranked 22nd in runs, and 29th in earned-run average.